Monday, June 23, 2014

Patrol Nabs Angel Bradley For Meth, Again

Angel Bradley, 34, Homeless

Mesa County, Colo. -- Patrol deputies contacted at Angel Bradley, 34, homeless, at a car wash business on 30 Road, Friday evening. She had a no bond warrant active for her arrest, which deputies arrested her on immediately.

In plain view, deputies saw drug paraphernalia commonly associated with methamphetamine use, as well as hypodermic needles and clear plastic baggies. Angel was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on her active warrant, violating bail bond conditions, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance (meth).

Angel has previously been booked into our jail facility on May 9, 2014, March 19, 2014, March 5, 2014, three bookings in 2010, 3 bookings in 2009 and 7 jail bookings from 2004 through 2008.

Her next court appearance in Mesa County is at 8 a.m., on June 30, 2014. Her bond for the new charges was set at $5,000.00, cash or surety. For information about her or other inmates currently in our facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage. Also, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty.

Task Force Arrests Two For Internet Luring Of A Child

Mesa County, Colo. -- Two men are facing charges in Mesa County following a nationwide operation led by the FBI that targeted child sex trafficking. The Western Colorado Drug Task Force and the Grand Junction Police Department Street Crimes Unit participated in the operation, which resulted in two people who were arrested and booked into jail on felony charges for internet luring of a child.

John Pomaski, 48, of Grand Jct.

The operation took place during several nights last week, and included an undercover officer who had internet and text message conversations with two separate men. In the first case, a man later identified as John P. Pomaski, 48, of Grand Junction, responded to an advertisement on an internet site titled "Awesome girl looking for fun." An undercover officer provided John with a number to call or text and they continued a conversation that included discussion of sexual acts. During their conversation the officer identified himself multiple times as a 14-year-old female and invited him to the hotel room. Officers observed John drive through the hotel parking lot. Officers contacted John in his vehicle and booked him into the Mesa County Detention Facility, without incident. John P Pomaski is facing charges of Sexual Assault- Internet Sexual Exploitation of a Child (a class 4 Felony) and Internet Luring of a Child/Intent of Sexual Contact/Exploitation (a class 4 Felony).

David Prephan, II, 25, of Ohio

In the second case, a man later identified as 25-year-old, David Shawn Prephan,II of Perrysburg, Ohio, responded to an internet advertisement and also had a conversation with the undercover officer. David agreed to meet a 14-year-old girl for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts for $80. David came to the hotel door and confirmed with the undercover officer that he had $80. The officer told him he would need to pay half up front to meet the girl, and he handed the officer $40. At that point, officers entered the room and took him into custody. David Shawn Prephan, II is facing charges of Soliciting for Child Prostitution (a class 3 Felony) and Internet Luring of a Child/Intent of Sexual Contact/Exploitation (a class 4 Felony). David was also booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility without incident.

For bond information on any inmate in jail, visit our Inmate Inquiry System website. And, be sure to follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVcopBeat and #MesaCounty for more information about law enforcement activity in our area.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Man Leads Deputy On Game of Hide and Go Seek After Shoplifting

Written by: Katie, MCSO Intern

Clifton, Colo. — A small errand to pick up security footage from the Clifton City Market turned into a foot pursuit for one of our MCSO Deputies on Monday, June 16, 2014.

Dennis Nelles, 48, of Clifton, Colorado had been under suspicion of stealing from the City Market store for the past couple of days according to a Lost Prevention worker, J. Cooper. Cooper stated in the deputies report that she believes, "he has robbed them "thousands" in electronics over past time."

While the deputy and LP worker were talking about the man, Nelles then exited the building— he was told to stop by Cooper. Nelles then looked back at the deputy and Cooper, and began to flee west on foot. He was told to stop, and informed that he was under arrest and told to show his hands to the deputy. After running through business complexes, and residential private property two different times, where it was believed he entered a private residence. After dispatch was able to locate a phone contact for the owner, the deputy was given permission to check the home for Nelles.

The man was found hiding under trash against the house in the area, just before where he had jumped the fence. He was then searched incident-to-arrest, and on his person was a man's billfold. Inside the billfold were credit cards, pawn slips and a few green zip-lock baggies. The credit card information was not Nelles, and was found to belong to an adult male victim of identity theft who's identity was suspected to be used by Dennis on a recent criminal case. The substance in the white baggies was found to be meth.

Local Law Enforcement Part of FBI Investigation into Human Trafficking at Oriental Massage Parlors

Update Provided on June 18, 2014 -- Sheriff's Office Street Crimes Unit deputies who assisted with the multi-agency conducted human trafficking investigation yesterday, charged the sole proprietor of Balanced Healing Massage and Day Spa, with local charges. Balanced Healing Massage is located at 3198 F Road, Grand Junction, and Feng Mei Dai, 49, of Clifton, was arrested without incident yesterday evening.Feng was charged and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on one count each of pimping (class 3 felony), money laundering (class 3 felony), and keeping a place of prostitution (class 2 misdemeanor). In addition to Feng's arrest, Yunfang Xu, 46, of Clifton, was issued a summons for prostitution, a class 3 misdemeanor. Yunfang has not previously been booked into our detention facility, therefor no booking photo is available.The U.S Attorney's Office released information about an adult male, arrested and charged federally, in connection to Balanced Healing Massage. His charge is associated with the suspected improper use of a social security number/card. For more information on his arrest and charge, contact the U.S. Attorney's Office--Colorado District, directly.For updates on inmate information, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage. And, for other updates on information happening in our area, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty.Original Post on June 17, 2014
Mesa County, Colo. -- The Grand Junction Police Department and Mesa County Sheriff's Office are working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to investigate massage parlors in the City of Grand Junction and surrounding Mesa County. On Tuesday, June 17, the FBI with assistance from the GJPD and MCSO, executed federal search and seizure warrants as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. The investigation centers on massage parlors where prostitution and possible human trafficking is suspected of taking place. Part of the ongoing investigation will be to determine where the prostitutes are coming from, and whether these women are unwillingly being trafficked from city to city.The four locations involved in today's operation are:

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Relay For Life, It's A Personal Walk

Update on June 13, 2014 -- Last night, the President of Native Navigation, Frank Westcott, posted this message on Facebook. It's a challenge to our community to raise $20,000.00, for Keith Chadd and Native Navigation will match it!

This is such a generous offer, and one that gives so much comfort to Keith and Bridgette Chadd. For more information about where to donate, Keith and what deputies are doing to support him, see below.

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Support Logo, Designer: Aspen Chadd

Previously Posted June 12, 2014
Mesa County, Colo. -- For several years now, the Sheriff's Office has formed a team for the Relay For Life event in Grand Junction (Long's Park). Often those walkers are motivated by personal friends or family members who have experienced cancer. Last year, the 21st Judicial District Attorney's Office had one of their own deputy DA's diagnosed with brain cancer. The local Relay For Life event took on added meaning for them and many supporting agencies and friends of Todd Hildebrandt. Today, Todd has completed treatment and looks forward to continued health.

This year, the battle waging on brain cancer is just getting started by Deputy Keith Chadd, who was just diagnosed last week. During the Relay For Life event, tomorrow night, the team walkers for 'Cops For A Cure,' will be focused on supporting Keith in spirit, tenacity and financially. With each step taken by the team, their show of unity and support will only grow.

His wife, Bridgette, also a fellow Sheriff's Office employee, has been by his side along with their children and other family. Keith has high spirits and a strong determination that will keep him focused on treatment and healing. Keith and Bridgette will be traveling for Keith's treatment, and expenses are expected to be high for them. If you have it in your heart to assist, please consider a donation.

The donation information is here:

Grand Junction Federal Credit Union

910 Main Street

Grand Junction, CO 81501

(970) 243-1370

Made checks payable to: Keith's Medical Account

We are also hearing there may be a 5k walk/run, golf tournament and other fundraising events over the summer months. We will keep you all posted. Thank you for your prayers and support for our fellow friend!

Dep. Keith Chadd, Traffic Safety Unit, circa 2009

Keith started with the Sheriff's Office in 2002, as a Detention Deputy and moved into the patrol division in 2006. He was selected to be one of two deputies first assigned to the newly created Traffic Safety Unit, in 2009. Most recently he was selected to join the Street Crimes Unit, where he is currently assigned.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Mesa County, Colo. -- Today, 21st Judicial District Attorney Pete Hautzinger released a 14 page letter outlining the homicide investigation into the death of Randy Cook, who was shot and killed on New Year's Day. The decision made by DA Hautzinger to not charge the shooter responsible for Randy Cook's death, was attributed to Colorado's Make My Day Law.

Recent Arrests

Mesa County, Colo. -- While reports and coverage have understandably focused on other aspects of this agency's resources, to include the search of the Colorado River for still missing rafter, Ctormy Taylor, and the West Salt Creek landslide, patrol activities have not wavered.

Eric Marion, 36, of Clifton

Starbucks in Clifton was closed when Eric Marion, 36, of Clifton, backed into a parking space around 2:30 a.m., on June 8, in the lot outside the business located near 32 Road and I-70 Business Loop. The patrol deputy who contacted Eric, noted signs of driving under the influence of drugs. Eric did admit to smoking marijuana prior to the driving his truck early that morning. Ultimately, Eric was arrested and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on one charge of driving under the influence of drugs and possession of a controlled substance. Deputies also located suspected marijuana inside Eric's truck, along with a marijuana kit: marijuana smoking pipes, rolling papers, a marijuana grinder, and a makeshift snort tube with a white powdery substance on it. The powdery substance tested presumptive positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine. Eric was issued a personal reconnaissance bond of $5,000.00, and was released from jail on June 9, with a next court date of June 16, at 8 a.m.

Amber Peterson, 28, of GJ

Amber Peterson, 28, of Grand Junction, was arrested by patrol and street crimes unit deputies late last week on charges related to a previous investigation handled by another local agency. Once arrested, deputies found hypodermic needles and multiple pills, along with 3.8 packaged weight of methamphetamine, all on her person or in her purse/property. Amber was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on multiple charges including possession of a controlled substance, schedule 2; possession of a controlled substance, schedule 3/4; and possession of drug paraphernalia. Amber was issued a $15,000.00, cash only bond and remains in jail at this time.

Sharon Wingo, 61, of GJ

Sharon Wingo, 61, of Grand Junction, was arrested just before midnight on June 7, and charged with possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Sharon was a passenger in a vehicle driven by a revoked driver. Deputies with the Street Crime Unit conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, in the area of 32 Road and I-70 Business Loop, Clifton. The suspected meth located in Sharon's hand during the deputies contact with her, weighed in at 2.5 grams (total packaging). A second bag of suspected meth was located in Sharon's pocket and weighed a total of .7 grams (total packaging). Sharon was given a $5,000.00, personal reconnaissance bond and was released on June 9, 2014. Her next court date is June 16, at 8 a.m.

Daniel Darnell, Jr., 35, of GJ

The driver of the vehicle Sharon Wingo was in during the traffic stop conducted by deputies with the Street Crime Unit, was Daniel Darnell, Jr., 35, of Grand Junction. In addition to be charged with traffic offenses for driving while revoked (without a valid license), he too was charged with possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. Daniel was also given a $5,000.00, personal reconnaissance bond and was released on June 9, with a next court date of June 16, at 8 a.m.

Nathaniel Casper, 18, of Grand Junction, was contacted by deputies in the Racquet Club apartment complex on June 8, just before 11 p.m., after dispatch received a report of an intoxicated male in that area. When patrol deputies contacted Nathaniel they observed the front of his pants were wet, and suspected that he had peed himself. He was combative with deputies, who at one point pulled a taser on him but did not deploy it. A witness spoke with deputies about an injured dog, that was still in the immediate area and deputies could see it was limping too. The dog would not put any weight on its right hind leg. The dog was taken to a veterinary clinic and deputies were told by the vet clinic that the dog's right hind femur bone was broken and it was a fresh break, not caused by natural causes.

Nathaniel Casper, 18, of GJ

Nathaniel was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on charges that included aggravated animal cruelty, obstructing a peace officer, resisting arrest and minor in possession of alcohol. He was issued a $1,000.00, cash only bond and remains in jail at this time. He was previously booked into our jail in February 2014 on active warrants and to serve a sentence on a municipal case.

For information on any inmate currently in our facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry webpage. And, for other information going on in our area, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty.

Friday, June 6, 2014

RIVER WATER WARNING, AGAIN

Mesa County, Colo. -- The public warning remains the same, inexperienced and irresponsible recreationists should remain off the rivers in Mesa County as the cold water temperatures, fast currents and debris in the rivers, continue to make it a dangerous environment for those with little to no experience in those high water conditions. Also, people on the rivers without life jackets and proper rafting or kayaking equipment are discouraged from recreating. Improper equipment will significantly increase your likelihood of experiencing a dangerous or life threatening situation, when you are already ill prepared for the conditions.

Experienced rafters and kayakers who are recreating on the rivers should be aware that free-board levels on many bridges in Mesa County are nearly non-existent. There may be little open space under the bridges that would be safe for experienced kayakers and rafters to go under.

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Deputies Respond To Suicidal Man

Update at 11:15p.m.-- The adult male exited the trailer at 11:03 p.m., without violence. SWAT did use less lethal chemical munition (similar to pepper spray), which neighbors likely heard. However, please so not confuse that sound with shots fired or a weapon exchange because that did NOT happen.

This situation was safely resolved for everyone. And, the Bearcat was brought to the scene and used for the safety of everyone.

We thank the neighbors for their cooperation during this incident.

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Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies responded to a trailer home in Candlewood Park, Clifton at 7:15 p.m. They contacted multiple people associated with a trailer, where eventually the deputies learned the identity of an adult male inside who made multiple suicidal statements to deputies on scene.

Negotiations remain in attempt and on-going for the safety of the man and all on-scene. The neighboring residence were verified unoccupied or told to shelter-in-place. Colorado State Patrol troopers have closed D 1/4 Road, from 32 to 32 1/8 Roads, for this incident.

Information provided to deputies from people who left the home, and are associated with it, described multiple weapons that may be in the home and accessable to the suicidal man. Further details will be provided as they become available.

Media Note: PIO Benjamin will be on-scene for this incident by 10 p.m., and positioned at the C & F Convenience store on 32 Road.